Cayla Janse van Rensburg is a recent graduate from the University of Pretoria (UP) with a degree in Industrial Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology.  “Studying industrial engineering and exploring topics that I’m genuinely interested in has created in me a strong sense of curiosity.  I have learned not to be daunted by unfamiliar or complex concepts, but rather to embrace them as an opportunity to learn something new. It is this perspective that greatly influenced my decision to pursue my master’s degree”.

Cayla was accepted to specialise in health data science at the University of Cambridge in England. Topics relevant to this degree include machine learning, biostatistics and health informatics. She aims to develop models to capture the dynamic movement and spread of infectious diseases in populations. “These models are valuable, as they allow us to "test" different interventions without actually implementing them. In this way, we can determine which intervention will be the most effective and only implement that solution”.

Why industrial engineering captivated Cayla 

In high school, Cayla had a wide range of interests and found it difficult to decide on one specific career. “Although I seriously considered studying medicine, I was a bit concerned that it would not be analytical enough. I enjoyed mathematics during my school years and was quite disappointed that the MBChB course did not include any maths modules. Consequently, I decided to pursue a more analytically oriented course like engineering”. She decided to pursue industrial engineering, which offers a broader scope and higher degree of versatility, and enabled her to decide what she wanted to specialise in after better understanding her passion and specific interests.

Prepared for success

Studying engineering is a challenging journey, and Cayla emphasises that the test weeks at UP have been instrumental in preparing her to manage substantial workloads. She has been able to refine her time management skills and understand the importance of effective study approaches that are tailored to individual preferences. “I think some of the most valuable skills I’ve learnt during my studies are perseverance and resilience. Throughout all four years of study, but particularly during my final year, I had to deal with significant workloads that often felt overwhelming. As a result, I quickly learned the importance of breaking down the workload into smaller, more manageable chunks. I discovered that small, consistent efforts make it possible to overcome these substantial amounts of work”.

Cayla firmly believes that her industrial engineering degree has provided her with a comprehensive foundation in various analytical techniques. With the MPhil in Population Health Sciences programme accepting applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, including medical doctors and healthcare professionals, Cayla's unique perspective as an engineer is poised to be a valuable asset. The overlaps between her undergraduate degree and the upcoming programme at Cambridge, such as expertise in programming, statistical techniques, mathematical and simulation modelling, machine learning and systems engineering, further enhance her capabilities to contribute significantly to the field of healthcare research and innovation.

Camaraderie

Reflecting on her time at the University of Pretoria, Cayla is grateful for the exceptional expertise within the Department of Industrial Engineering, with lecturers who inspired her to do her best, as well as a special sense of camaraderie among her friends and colleagues from the UP Symphony Orchestra. “I was fortunate to meet incredible people and formed a close group of supportive friends. When I look back on the past four years, some of my favourite moments include having lunch on the lawn in front of the Aula, late-night study sessions in the study centre and celebrating after test weeks and major submissions. Facing challenges together created a special sense of camaraderie that I still treasure”.

Advice for aspiring industrial engineers 

Cayla recommends getting involved in UP’s sports and cultural clubs and societies as they present a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and engage in activities beyond studying. She also shares that one of the most valuable lessons she has learned is not to link one’s identity and self-worth to one’s academic performance. “I realised how easy it is to tie our self-worth to good grades and perceive ourselves as failures when we encounter academic setbacks, when, in actual fact, everyone experiences a bad test or exam at some stage, and it does not at all reflect our true worth as individuals”.

Her advice for future industrial engineers is to “dream big”, as industrial engineering provides an incredible platform from which to pursue a career in practically any industry. It enables one to combine engineering skills with other passions and hobbies. Examples include opportunities to specialise in fashion supply chain optimisation or contribute to sustainable business practices by analysing energy usage and waste management. “I personally have been intrigued by the combination of industrial engineering and healthcare; exploring how industrial engineering techniques can enhance medical practices. With my broad foundation in industrial engineering, I am equipped with the skills required to pursue a master’s degree in healthcare. Hence, my advice is to think outside the box, be creative and make the most of the diverse opportunities available to you!”.

Dream big

Cayla’s journey is a testament to the power of following one's passion and combining it with the versatility of industrial engineering. The Department of Industrial Engineering is incredibly proud of Cayla. As she embarks on her future studies at Cambridge, we are confident that she will pave the way for innovative solutions in healthcare. To all high school students exploring their potential paths, remember Cayla's story and pursue your dreams with determination, creativity and an eagerness to create a positive impact in the world. The future is yours to shape!